No More Learning

Why
isn't there any one to look after you? "

Dick was too thankful for the sound of her voice to resent the tone of
it.

"I was cut across the head a long time ago, and that ruined my eyes. I
don't suppose anybody thinks it worth while to look after me any more.
Why should they? --and Mr. Beeton really does everything I want. "

"Don't you know any gentlemen and ladies, then, while you was--well? "

"A few, but I don't care to have them looking at me. "

"I suppose that's why you've growed a beard. Take it off, it don't
become you. "

"Good gracious, child, do you imagine that I think of what becomes of me
these days? "

"You ought. Get that taken off before I come here again. I suppose I can
come, can't I?
"

"I'd be only too grateful if you did. I don't think I treated you very
well in the old days. I used to make you angry. "

"Very angry, you did. "

"I'm sorry for it, then. Come and see me when you can and as often as
you can. God knows, there isn't a soul in the world to take that trouble
except you and Mr. Beeton. "

"A lot of trouble he's taking and she too. " This with a toss of the
head.

"They've let you do anyhow and they haven't done anything for you. I've
only to look and see that much. I'll come, and I'll be glad to come, but
you must go and be shaved, and you must get some other clothes--those
ones aren't fit to be seen. "

"I have heaps somewhere," he said helplessly.

"I know you have. Tell Mr.